DWT careers

"Where you start your career is a big decision; DWT made that a little easier."

Brent Droze
Future Associate | Seattle

"DWT provides a supportive environment."

Jennifer Chung
Associate | Seattle

"DWT gives summer associates a lot of opportunity to try other areas in law."

Melanie Broome
Associate | Portland

"The work at DWT teaches me things I didn’t learn in law school and every day is a new experience."

Laura-Lee Williams
Associate | Seattle

Why DWT?

My favorite part of the DWT summer associate experience was the opportunity to attend a variety of great social events, not just because they were fun but because they gave us an opportunity to meet the attorneys and really get to know the culture of the firm. It was clear through those events that DWT takes a lot of pride in its friendly culture.

I also appreciated having the freedom to work with all of the firm’s practice groups, which allowed me to discover the areas of law that were exciting to me. Having that experience is great because you can go back to law school after the summer and really tailor your course load based on the interests you identified at DWT. That pays dividends in the rest of your law school experience and career.

I chose DWT because of its culture. Throughout my interview experience as a summer associate, and now as a first-year attorney, everyone has been genuinely nice and supportive.

Personal goal in 5 years I’d like to be a fifth-year associate at DWT, working with clients that are in the business of sustainability.

How do you describe your work to a child?I help groups of people called businesses do cool stuff in a way that keeps other groups of people, like other businesses or the government, from getting upset with them.

If you couldn’t be a lawyer, what would you be?I’d be a novelist or a cartoonist. I really enjoy writing and dreaming up stories.

Why DWT?

I knew within the first few weeks of my first summer associate experience that DWT was a place I wanted to work full-time if given an offer. As a summer associate, I was given the chance to become part of a practice group and really see the culture of the firm. Because of that, it was easy to predict what life will be like at DWT.

I was fortunate to have had the chance to select from a few different firms for my summer associate experience, but I knew through the interview process that DWT was a place where the culture aligned with my values. In my interviews, we had good conversations where I felt more like a person and not just a candidate. There was a genuine interest in getting to know me and finding the right spot for me within the firm, and that carried through both of my summers at DWT. I’m really looking forward to starting at DWT as a first-year associate next fall.

Personal goal in 5 years I’d like to be respected as a competent, trustworthy, and effective associate—while maintaining some semblance of a meaningful family life.

How do you describe your work to a child?When someone’s having a problem, I listen, think, and help them find a solution.

If you couldn’t be a lawyer, what would you be?I love flying, so I’d probably be an airline pilot!

Why DWT?

My summer associate experience was a great way to explore different areas of law and work with different practice groups. I did a little bit of everything – research, appellate writing, contract drafting, and even some work with patents. I’m grateful that DWT gave me the opportunity to try all of these assignments, and it really helped me decide which areas of law I’d like to practice.

The summer associate experience as a whole left me feeling valued and respected and confident that DWT was a place where I wanted to make my legal career and serve Seattle and the Pacific Northwest community.

And now as a junior associate with the firm, my experience, thus far, has been great. Even after only a few months on the job, I’m being encouraged to find my place within the firm and with our clients, which feels like a setup for long-term success.

Personal goal in 5 years To continue developing my skills [to] be the best advocate I can be for my clients.

How do you describe your work to a child?I help people understand and protect their legal rights.

If you couldn’t be a lawyer, what would you be?The world’s most celebrated flying trapeze artist.

Why DWT?

As a first-year, I’m encouraged to take ownership of my work, have contact with clients, and develop my practice with supervision. My focus is on the food, beverage, and restaurant industry, and many of our clients are local
businesses, which allows me to see the tangible results of my work.

An alumnus from my law school is a practicing attorney in the DWT Portland office and I learned more about DWT over the years from talking with him. By the time I came in for an in-person interview, I was pretty sure DWT was a good
fit for me.

The summer associate program is a 10-week interview—in a good way. You get to know the firm, and they get to know you. Since you don’t work for just one practice group, you are able to explore different areas of law and
decide what interests you. After spending the summer at DWT I knew 100 percent what I wanted to do..

Personal goal in 5 years To better understand my client’s industries in order to provide the best possible legal advice and advocacy.

How do you describe your work to a child? Poorly.

If you couldn’t be a lawyer, what would you be? Devastated.

Why DWT?

I love working at DWT because of my colleagues and the type of law we practice. It is special to find a law firm where colleagues are coworkers AND friends. My colleagues are also collaborative and invested in my development as a new
attorney. Here at DWT, we have progressive, engaging, and sometimes novel work. I grew up in Seattle and I love partnering with some of the top companies that bring so much to the community I call home. Every day at DWT is different
and I am constantly exposed to new experiences that take my skills as an attorney beyond what I learned in law school.

Personal goal in 5 years Continue to develop my career at DWT and buy a house.

How do you describe your work to a child? When two people get in a disagreement, I come in to help them resolve this disagreement so they can move on.

If you couldn’t be a lawyer, what would you be? A journalist.

Your Journey Starts Here

Where and how you spend your law school summers can have a big impact on your legal career. If you are looking for a firm that values academic excellence, leadership, curiosity, and innovation consider DWT. As a summer associate, you’ll
experience diversity in your work and engage in stimulating assignments. Your mentors will be industry leaders who are invested in your growth and success. The Summer Associates Program is rich with activities and trainings designed to integrate
you into the fabric of the firm.

On-Campus Interviews

Our attorneys travel to several campuses every year, searching for passionate and team-oriented Summer Associates. If you are unable to attend any of the in-person events, we still want to hear from you, so please
visit our online application site if you wish to apply. Check out
our FAQs for more information about our hiring process.

1L Diversity Scholarship

The Diversity Scholarships are open to all 1L’s of color, or others of diverse backgrounds, who have the following:

A record of academic achievement in undergraduate school and the first year of law school that demonstrates promise for a successful career in law

A commitment to civil involvement that promotes diversity and will continue that commitment upon entering the legal profession

A commitment to practicing law in the Pacific Northwest after law school (For the Seattle and Portland offices only)

Although demonstrated need may be taken into account,
applicants need not disclose their financial
circumstances.

1L Patent Prosecution Scholarship

The 1L Patent Scholarship is open to all first-year law students who:

Have a record of academic achievement in both undergraduate school and the first year of law school that demonstrates promise for a successful career in law

Have a technical background and an interest in patent prosecution

Are patent bar eligible with an electrical engineering, mathematics, or computer science background

Are committed to practicing in the Pacific Northwest after law school; work experience in the software industry is a plus

TO APPLY FOR THE 1L DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP

Our online application site is open from December 1, 2017 until midnight on January 9, 2018 PST. Per NALP guidelines, we are unable to interview first-year law students prior to December 1. Application materials required:

Current resume

Cover letter (indicate which office you are applying for and your connection to the Pacific Northwest for Seattle and Portland applications)

One-page personal statement indicating your eligibility for the scholarship and if you are applying to the Seattle or Portland office, then your connection to the Pacific Northwest. (If you are an out-of-area applicant
and you will be in town during the application window, please indicate those dates in your statement or cover letter.)

Copy of your complete undergraduate transcript

Copy of your grades from the first semester of law school (if your law transcript is not available at the time you apply, you will receive a follow-up email by mid-January with a link and instructions on how to submit it online. An unofficial copy is acceptable.)

Legal writing sample un-edited by a third party

List of three references, one of whom should be a person qualified to comment on your law school work

TO APPLY FOR THE 1L PATENT SCHOLARSHIP

Our online application site is open from December 1, 2017 until midnight on January 16, 2018 PST. Per NALP guidelines, we are unable to interview first-year law students prior to December 1.

Copy of your grades from the first semester of law school (if your law transcript is not available at the time you apply, you will receive a follow-up email by mid-January with a link and instructions on how to submit it online. An unofficial copy is acceptable.)

Legal writing sample unedited by a third party

List of three references, one of whom should be a person qualified to comment on your law school work or technical expertise

Summer Associate FAQ

When and how do I apply for a summer associate position?

We recruit 1L’s starting in December for our 1L Diversity Scholarship, and we begin to accept applications for 2L’s in June. We participate in on-campus interviews, but aren’t able to visit to every law school. If DWT
seems to be a good fit for you, we encourage you to apply online (please do not email us your application). Typically half of our summer class is made up of students who have sought us out directly. Please make sure your contact information
is current and that your voicemail can receive messages.

For the Diversity Scholarship, what are you looking for in my personal essay?

We want to learn more about you, so be open and tell us part of your life story. Some suggestions might include: How did you get here? What have you overcome? What is it about diversity that drives you? How might you contribute to our
community in the future? What would you like us to know about you that is not in your resume?
Your personal statement should be no more than one page, single-spaced, and 12-point font. Please include your name but do not address your personal statement to anyone.

Initial: A candidate will meet with one or two people and the meeting will take up to an hour. Unless you are local or we are meeting you on campus, these will be conducted by video.

Callbacks: These take place in our office and usually involve meeting 6-8 people. They might include lunch or coffee and can last up to 4 hours. The lunch or coffee interviews allow the candidates an
opportunity to spend quality time with DWT attorneys. You do not need to bring your resume with you when you interview with us, though some candidates do.

What should I wear?

The dress code for interviews is business professional. Once you are a summer associate, we adhere to business casual. We encourage you, however, always to have a suit jacket in your office in case you are invited to a client meeting or
court hearing.

How long will it be before I hear from DWT?

The Hiring Committee makes every effort to contact candidates soon after the callback interview. This committee meets on a regular basis during fall recruiting, but because we have so many applicants, the wait time can be a couple of weeks
during the high season. If you have come in for callback interviews, we welcome periodic check-ins on the status of your candidacy.

10 weeks and runs from June to August. We coordinate with the class to determine exact dates.

Can I split my summer with another firm?

In order to give you the best possible chance at an offer, we do not recommend splitting your summer with another firm.

What kind of work will I get?

If the work is there and you want to try it, it’s yours! We do not have a rotation so you are able to take any work that is available from any group. We pride ourselves on offering you with opportunities that give you a real glimpse
of what it is like to practice at DWT. Some summer associates have assisted with trial prep, attended client meetings, worked directly with partners, attended depositions, etc. We also encourage summer associates to work on pro bono
projects, which often results in direct client contact and courtroom experience.

What kind of training will there be?

Impactful! You will gain exposure to each practice group, attend litigation writing and transactional drafting seminars in addition to having access to a writing advisor and your mentors. Additionally, summer associates are invited to
attend various training programs delivered by our Professional Development department as well as training and meetings hosted by practice groups. And of course, you will also learn a great deal of on-the-job training by collaborating
in small client teams doing real work and getting real feedback.

Will I have a mentor, secretary and an office?

Though offices can vary slightly, most provide an associate and partner mentor for you over the summer as well as an assistant. You will also be assigned an office, though some of our locations are nearing capacity, so we ask for your
flexibility. Growth is a good problem to have!

What kind of summer associate events do you offer?

Social events vary by office, but a few events from last year include: sailing, baseball games, partner dinners, Puzzle Escape, Brew Cycle, karaoke, concerts, happy hours, a cooking party, and lots of coffee dates!
The highlight of the summer is the three-day Summer Associate Retreat. Each year we bring all of our summer associates from across the firm to the Seattle office for a day of training and networking with their colleagues. After that,
we head to a beautiful resort to socialize and get to know more attorneys from the firm in a fun, relaxing environment.

Who are we looking for?

We value and expect top-notch writing and academic excellence, but know that true success is determined by personal characteristics that cannot be taught. We want the right person. Someone who contributes to our increasingly diverse, friendly
and hard-working culture – someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously, but who will do what it takes to put forth their best work. Someone who can get back up again and who will accept the help of a colleague and offer
help in return. We want people who will be active in our communities, both inside and outside of the firm. Our culture is special, and we think it’s worth finding the right person for.